This book equips readers with analytical tools to critically examine contemporary social issues. The author, Joel Best, presents a curated collection of case studies, including internet addiction, distracted driving, and economic recession, to illustrate how social problems are constructed and understood. The text emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing objective claims, understanding advocacy, recognizing shifts in expert interpretations, analyzing media influence, and evaluating public policy. By employing a constructionist approach, the book provides a framework for systematically investigating and making sense of these complex societal challenges.

The book is designed as a valuable resource for students seeking to understand and critically evaluate a wide range of contemporary social issues. Its constructionist approach offers a powerful set of tools for systematic investigation. The text is presented as suitable for use as a standalone resource or in conjunction with other works by the author on social problems. The case studies are carefully selected to highlight key elements in the understanding of social problems.